Cinnamon Bay NPS
Cinnamon Bay · Cinnamon Bay Campground
18°21.00'N 64°45.84'W
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m alarm radius on NPS mooring ball. NO ANCHORING in Cinnamon Bay — NPS mooring balls only ($26/night). Northern exposure — Atlantic swell can enter; check forecasts before overnight stay on mooring. NPS campground behind the beach is the only overnight camping in the national park.
About This Anchorage
Cinnamon Bay is one of the most significant bays on St. John — a designated Virgin Islands National Park area with the NPS Cinnamon Bay Campground (tents and cottages available, the only NPS-managed camping on the island), a beach, and extensive archaeological heritage. Pre-Columbian Taino artifacts have been found throughout the area, and the ruins of a Danish colonial sugar plantation are visible behind the beach. The bay is larger than Trunk Bay to the west and sees somewhat fewer day-trippers, making it a more relaxed alternative. NPS mooring balls are the only permitted overnight option — anchoring is strictly prohibited. The campground has a small restaurant, a dive and watersports operation, and basic facilities. An excellent base for exploring the national park trails that originate from the Cinnamon Bay trailhead.
Protected From
S · SE · SW
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- NPS mooring balls $26/night — anchoring strictly prohibited
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- NPS mooring fee $26/night. Park entry fee $5/person for non-campers. Campground reservations via Recreation.gov separately.
Restrictions: NPS mooring balls ONLY — no anchoring; NPS park fee applies; campground reservations separate from mooring fees; no disturbing archaeological sites or ruins.
Hazards
- !NO ANCHORING — NPS mooring balls only; strict NPS enforcement with significant fines
- !Northern exposure — north Atlantic swell enters the bay; check swell forecasts before overnight mooring
- !Archaeological sensitivity — ruins and artifacts throughout the area; do not disturb or remove any items
- !Campground noise — the NPS campground means activity on the beach into the evening hours
Skipper's Tips
- →Cinnamon Bay is a less crowded alternative to Trunk Bay — fewer day-trip boats and a more relaxed atmosphere
- →The Danish colonial ruins and Taino archaeological sites are fascinating — pick up the NPS trail guide for the historical context
- →The Cinnamon Bay Trail (2.5-mile loop) starts from behind the campground — excellent hike through the national park forest
- →NPS campground restaurant serves good, reasonably priced meals — dinghy ashore for breakfast or dinner
- →Reserve NPS mooring balls in advance via Recreation.gov for peak season dates — balls fill quickly
Facilities
Cinnamon Bay Campground has a beach restaurant/bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (seasonal). Watersports equipment rental available. No fuel or general provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Cruz Bay (3nm W) (3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. NPS campground requires advance reservations in peak season. Bay is less crowded than Trunk Bay — better choice for a more peaceful experience.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Virgin Islands National Park, anchor drag toward coral reef carries environmental and legal consequences. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy St. John's stunning beaches with confidence.
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